Clarke wary of South African threat

Australia clinch ODI series after victory in 3rd match.

DURBAN:

Australia captain Michael Clarke is wary of the competition that South Africa could provide in the upcoming Test series, despite leading his team to a 2-1 victory in the One-Day International (ODI) series.

Australia beat the hosts by three wickets in the third ODI.

“We’ve seen during the ODI series how close the two teams are and I’m certain the Test series is going to be no different,” he said. “But I can guarantee we’ll take some confidence leading into the first Test.”

South Africa coach Gary Kirsten said he could take a lot of positives out of the ODIs.

“Some of the guys have got back into form and are game-ready now,” he said. “It’s been a competitive series and we would have liked to have closed it out.”

Opener Shane Watson top-scored with 49 while Michael Hussey made an unbeaten 45 in pursuit of 223. Earlier, Hashim Amla (52) and Jacques Kallis (54) were the mainstays for South Africa as they finished on 222 for six.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2011.